Chapter 14

Jerry had to think fast or Sarah was a goner. But Cathie didn't expect Stephen to follow her to Jerry's apartment and when he saw Cathie holding a gun to Sarah's head, he grabbed a bat next to the front door and hit Cathie over the head as she went down to the floor, the gun firing a it hit the floor, hitting Jerry in the leg.

Sarah rushed over to Jerry to see if he was alright, “Jerry!”

“I'm okay. I think it's just a surface wound?” Jerry told her as Stephen called paramedics.

Within minutes, paramedics and a cop arrived as Jerry explained everything that happened, and when Cathie managed to come to, as arrested on the spot.

Jerry and Sarah thanked Stephen for coming when he did, “Thank you son.”

“I was just looking for my mother.” Stephen said.

“Cathie?' Jerry asked. 

“No. . .her!” Stephen said, pointing to Sarah, looking bewildered.

“What do you mean?” Sarah asked.

“I'm your son, the one you gave up for adoption.” Stephen said.

“I-I-I. . . don't...” Sarah stammered.

“Cathie's mother told me everything and then I went to find her when she said Cathie was here. I wanted answers as to why she held me prisoner for nearly a year.” Stephen recounted.

“I'm so sorry you had to go through this.” Sarah said as she hugged him.

“Why don't you stay here for the night and then we can take you to back to the orphanage.” Sarah said.

“He's your son, Sarah, why can't he stay here?” Jerry asked.

Sarah hadn't gotten over the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father and brother that resulted in Stephen's birth. How was she going to handle a teen?

“It's okay. I know the whole story.” Jerry told his wife. “We'll get through this together.”

Sarah hugged both Jerry and Stephen. 

A few months later, the three of them went on a trip to Disneyland after going into therapy. For the first time in months, Sarah felt free of all the trauma experienced in her childhood. She was now free to be a mother to the baby she gave away so many years ago.

Epilogue

Jerry and Sarah took Stephen in after therapy and Stephen graduated with honors and valedictorian of his class. Jerry and Sarah even had a vow renewal ceremony a month after Stephen graduated before Stephen went off to college. 

Jerry received a huge surprise from the community when his identity was revealed. He was given the key to the city and an all-expense paid trip to Paris for he and Sarah. Jerry didn't expect such warmth from his own city! It was more than he expected!

For the first time in his life, Jerry was the happiest man. The love and generosity from his neighbors was more than Jerry could imagine!  Jerry would never forget and he vowed to keep doing good now that he knew he was doing his part to make this world a better place!